Seat assembly having dual actuated locking mechanism

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a seat assembly for use in automotive vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a seat assembly having a locking mechanism operable by a lever mechanism which is configured to be actuated by either the movement of the seat back or operation of a handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As seating capacity is a concern for consumers, many automotive vehicles come equipped with a third row of passenger seating. However, in order to access the third row seating an occupant needs to first move the second row seating to create an ingress or egress path. Consequently, most modern automotive vehicle utilize a recliner or release mechanism for moving the seat back between a seated position and a stowed position to allow greater access to the third row seating. Further, it is also known to provide seat assemblies which are slidably engaged with the floor of the passenger compartment to lock the seat assembly in a seated position and slide the entire seat assembly towards a cargo position. The sliding mechanism, in conjunction with the pivotal seat back, provides an occupant with easy access to the third row seating.

As there are several handles or levers which operate the various operational components associated with the release mechanism and the sliding mechanism, most modern seat assemblies have become complex. In order to position the seat assembly to allow access to the third row seating, an occupant is required to actuate a number of different handles to operate a number of independent mechanisms. Further, the costs associated with modern seat assemblies have increased due to the increase in the number of parts, and the increase in the labor and manufacturing time required to produce and install the seat assemblies.

Thus, there exists a need for a seat assembly having a horizontally slidable seat assembly and a pivotal seat back which reduces the steps required to position the seat assembly for ingress or egress, and which reduces the overall complexity of the mechanism involved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a horizontally slidable seat assembly having a pivotal seat back which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

In brief, a seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat frame having a pair of upper seat rails engaged with a pair of lower floor rails embedded in the floor to horizontally slide a seat assembly between a seated position and a cargo position. A seat back is pivotally mounted to the seat frame for movement between a seated position and a stowed position. A locking mechanism has a first lock and a second lock. The first lock is operable to lock and release the seat rails to the floor rails when the seat assembly is in the seated position. The second is operable to lock and release the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the cargo position

A lever mechanism having a handle pivotally mounted to the seat frame operates the locking mechanism. The lever mechanism is moveable between a first position and a second position. When the lever mechanism is in the first position the lever mechanism engages with the first lock to lock the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the seated position. When the lever mechanism is in the second position the lever mechanism engages with the second lock to lock the upper rails to the lower rails when the seat assembly is in the cargo position.

The seat assembly also includes a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat frame for movement between a seated position and a stowed position. The seat back is connected to the lever mechanism such that movement of the seat back from the seated position to the stowed position moves the lever mechanism from the first position to the second position and movement of the seat back from the stowed position to the seated position moves the lever mechanism from the second position to the first position.

The lever mechanism is actuated by either operation of the handle, or the movement of the seat back between the seated position and the stowed position. As such, the seat assembly can be unlocked from the seated position by either the movement of the seat back from the seated position to the stowed position, or the operation of the handle. Further, the seat assembly can be unlocked from the cargo position by either operation of the handle, if the seat back is in the seated position, or the movement of the seat back from the stowed position to the seated position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompany drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a partial side elevational view illustrating an automotive vehicle having the inventive seat assembly;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a partial side elevational view of the seat assembly illustrating the seat assembly locked in the seated position with the lever mechanism in the first position and the seat back in the seated position;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a partial side elevational view of the seat assembly illustrating the movement of the lever mechanism from the first position to the second position due to the operation of the handle;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a partial side elevational view of the seat assembly illustrating the seat assembly locked in the cargo position and the lever mechanism in the second position;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a partial side elevational view of the seat assembly illustrating the seat assembly locked in the seated position and the movement of the lever mechanism from the first position to the second position due to the movement of the seat back from the seated position to the stowed position;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a partial side elevational view of the seat assembly illustrating the seat assembly locked in the cargo position and the movement of the lever mechanism from the second position to the first position due to the movement of the seat back from the stowed position to the seated position;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line <b>7</b>-<b>7</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, illustrating the cargo lock in the unlocked position;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line <b>8</b>-<b>8</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrating the main lock in the locked position;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> is a partial perspective view illustrating the seat assembly locked in the seated position;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref> is a partial perspective view illustrating the seat assembly moving from the seated position to cargo position with the main lock in the unlocked position and the cargo lock in the engaged position;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref> is a partial perspective view illustrating the seat assembly locked in the cargo position; and

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref> is a partial perspective view illustrating the seat assembly moving from the cargo position to the seated position with the cargo lock in the unlocked position and the main lock in the engaged position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has utility as a seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. The inventive seat assembly provides a dual actuated lever mechanism for locking and releasing a seat assembly in a seated position and a walk-in or cargo position. As the dual actuation lever mechanism utilizes one mechanism operable by two different means, rather than two independent mechanisms, the complexity of the seat assembly is reduced. Further, the overall costs, including labor and manufacturing time, is also reduced along with the overall weight of the seat assembly.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, an automotive vehicle is generally indicated at <b>10</b>. The automotive vehicle includes a passenger compartment <b>12</b> having a floor <b>14</b>. A front row seating, including the driver's seat; a second row seating; and optionally a third row seating (not shown) or additional cargo space is provided in the passenger compartment <b>12</b>. A seat assembly <b>16</b>, located in the second row seating, includes a seat frame <b>18</b>, a seat cushion <b>20</b>, and a seat back <b>22</b>. The seat back <b>22</b> is pivotally mounted to the seat frame <b>18</b> for movement between a seated position, seen in ghost in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and a stowed position.

The passenger compartment <b>12</b> includes a pair of lower rails <b>24</b> attached to the floor <b>14</b>. The seat frame <b>18</b> includes a pair of upper rails <b>26</b> in sliding engagement with the pair of lower rails <b>24</b> for horizontal movement of the seat assembly <b>16</b> between a seated position and a cargo position, seen in ghost in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The seat frame <b>18</b> is optionally releasably mounted to the upper rails <b>26</b> so that the entire seat assembly <b>16</b> may be removed from the passenger compartment <b>12</b> of the automotive vehicle <b>10</b>.

By positioning the seat back <b>22</b> in the stowed position and the seat assembly <b>16</b> in the cargo position an occupant is afforded greater access to a third row seating or additional cargo area, or in the case of a two door automotive vehicle the second row seating. As will be described in greater detail below, the seat assembly <b>16</b> is locked in the seated position so as to safely support an occupant during travel. In addition, the seat assembly <b>16</b> is also lockable in the cargo position to provide additional cargo space without the seat assembly moving during travel.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the seat back <b>22</b> is pivotally coupled to the seat frame <b>18</b> at pivot axis P<b>1</b> for selective movement between a seated position and a stowed position. The seat back <b>22</b> includes a seat back biasing member <b>28</b>, such as a clock spring, which continuously biases the seat back <b>22</b> towards the stowed position. A recliner mechanism <b>30</b> actuated by a recliner handle <b>32</b> releasably locks the seat back <b>22</b> in the seated position. In addition, the recliner mechanism <b>30</b> allows an occupant seated in the seat assembly <b>16</b> to adjust the position of the seat back <b>22</b> to a plurality of reclined positions tilted rearwardly from the seated position.

The occupant actuates the recliner handle <b>32</b> and overcomes the force of the seat back biasing member <b>28</b> to position their seat back <b>22</b> in the desired reclined position. The occupant then returns the recliner handle <b>32</b> to its initial position to lock the seat back <b>22</b> in the desired reclined position. If an occupant is not seated in the seat assembly <b>16</b> when the recliner handle <b>32</b> is actuated or an occupant seated behind the seat assembly <b>16</b> operates a rear actuated egress mechanism <b>34</b>, the recliner mechanism <b>30</b> releases the seat back <b>22</b> from the seated position or reclined position and the seat back biasing member <b>28</b> will bias the seat back <b>22</b> towards the stowed position.

The egress mechanism <b>34</b> indirectly operates the recliner mechanism <b>30</b> as it is operatively connected to the recliner handle <b>32</b> at one end. A strap S, seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, is attached to the opposite end of the egress mechanism <b>34</b>. An occupant pulls on the strap S in the direction of arrow <b>1</b>, and the egress mechanism <b>34</b> actuates the recliner handle <b>32</b> in the direction of arrow <b>2</b> which operates the recliner mechanism <b>30</b> to pivot the seat back <b>22</b> from the seated position to the stowed position in the direction of arrow <b>3</b>.

It is appreciated, of course, that the above described recliner mechanism <b>30</b> and egress mechanism <b>32</b> are for illustrative purposes only. The seat assembly <b>16</b> is operable with any other recliner mechanism or egress mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art to move a seat back <b>22</b> from a seated position to a stowed position by an occupant either in front or behind the seat assembly <b>16</b>.

The seat assembly <b>16</b> includes a locking mechanism <b>36</b> attached to the upper rail <b>26</b>. The locking mechanism <b>36</b> includes a main lock <b>38</b> and a cargo lock <b>40</b>. The main lock <b>38</b> is operable to lock the upper rails <b>26</b> to the lower rails <b>24</b> when the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the seated position. The cargo lock <b>40</b> is operable to lock the upper rail <b>26</b> to the pair of lower rails <b>24</b> when the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the cargo position. It is appreciated, of course, that the locking mechanism <b>36</b> is disposed on each one of the pair of upper rails <b>26</b>, although operation of only one side will be described as each is a mirror image of the other.

A dual actuated lever mechanism <b>42</b> is provided so as actuate the locking mechanism <b>36</b>. The lever mechanism <b>42</b> includes a slide handle <b>44</b>, a bracket <b>46</b>, a link member <b>48</b>, and an actuation mechanism <b>50</b> to engage with the locking mechanism <b>36</b>. The slide handle <b>44</b> is attached to the seat frame <b>18</b> to pivot about pivot axis P<b>2</b>, and is operable by an occupant. The bracket <b>46</b> is attached to the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> such that rotation of the bracket <b>46</b> rotates the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in a corresponding direction. The bracket <b>46</b> has a generally V shape having a first end <b>52</b> and a second end <b>54</b>. The bracket <b>46</b> is attached to the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> at a center portion between the first end <b>52</b> and the second end <b>54</b>. A link member <b>48</b>, having a distal end <b>56</b> and a proximate end <b>58</b>, connects the bracket <b>46</b> and the slide handle <b>44</b> such that operation of the slide handle <b>44</b> rotates the bracket <b>46</b> and, consequently, the actuation mechanism <b>50</b>. The distal end <b>56</b> of the link member <b>48</b> is pivotally attached to the slide handle <b>44</b> and the proximate end <b>58</b> pivotally attached to a first end <b>52</b> of the rotating bracket <b>44</b>.

The second end <b>54</b> of the bracket <b>46</b> is connected to the seat back by a cable <b>60</b>, such as a Bowden cable, having a bracket end <b>62</b> attached to the bracket <b>46</b> and a seat back end <b>64</b> attached to the seat back <b>22</b>. The cable <b>60</b> includes a housing <b>66</b> having two opposite ends which are attached to the seat frame <b>18</b>.

A bracket biasing member <b>68</b> has one end attached to the seat frame <b>18</b> and the other end attached to the bracket <b>46</b> adjacent the second end <b>54</b>. A link biasing member <b>70</b> has one end attached to the seat frame <b>18</b> and an opposite end attached to the link member <b>48</b> adjacent the proximate end <b>58</b>. The bracket biasing member <b>68</b> and the link biasing member <b>70</b> bias the lever mechanism <b>42</b> towards a first position, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>, the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> includes an elongated rod <b>72</b> rotatably attached to the seat frame <b>18</b> for rotation about axis A<b>1</b>. The elongated rod <b>72</b> is fixedly attached to the center portion of the bracket <b>46</b> such that rotation of the bracket <b>46</b> rotates the elongated rod <b>72</b>. The actuation mechanism <b>50</b> further includes a pair of paddle members <b>74</b> which extend generally normal from the elongated rod <b>72</b>. The paddle members <b>74</b> are positioned on the elongated rod <b>72</b> so that one of the paddle members <b>74</b> engages with the locking mechanism <b>36</b> disposed on each one of the upper rails <b>26</b>. A shoe <b>76</b> is disposed on the ends of each of the paddle members <b>74</b>. The shoes <b>76</b> are formed of a plastic or rubber material, to provide frictional contact with the locking mechanism <b>36</b>.

As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the seated position of the seat assembly <b>16</b> corresponds to a plurality of teeth windows <b>78</b> which engage with the main lock <b>38</b> to lock the seat assembly <b>16</b> in the seated position, and the cargo position corresponds to a plurality of window tabs <b>80</b> which engage with the cargo lock <b>40</b> to lock the seat assembly <b>16</b> in the cargo position, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. The window teeth <b>78</b> and the window tabs <b>80</b> have varying positions, numbers, and sizes, allowing for the main lock <b>38</b> to only be engaged with the window teeth <b>78</b> while the cargo lock <b>40</b> is capable of only engaging with the window tabs <b>80</b>. As illustrated, the lower rails <b>24</b> optionally include a plurality of both seated positions and cargo positions selectable by an occupant.

Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>, the interaction of the locking mechanism <b>36</b> with the pair of upper rails <b>26</b> and the pair of lower rails <b>24</b> will now be explained. The pair of lower rails <b>24</b> are attached to the floor <b>14</b> of the passenger compartment <b>12</b>; or, in the alternative, the pair of lower rails <b>24</b> are embedded within the floor <b>14</b>. The pair of lower rails <b>24</b> have a generally U shaped cross section with a bottom section <b>82</b> having a rail <b>84</b> with an overhanging flange <b>86</b> disposed at either end of the bottom section <b>82</b>. The pair of upper rails <b>26</b> each have a pair of J-shaped arms <b>88</b> having a roller <b>90</b> contacting the rail <b>84</b> on either side of the bottom section <b>82</b>. The rollers <b>90</b> allow the pair of upper rails <b>26</b> of the seat assembly <b>16</b> to slide with respect to the pair of lower rails <b>24</b>.

In order for the locking mechanism <b>36</b> to lock the pair of upper rails <b>26</b> to the pair of lower rails <b>24</b>, the window teeth <b>78</b> and the window tabs <b>80</b> are disposed on the flange <b>86</b> on the interior side of the lower rails <b>24</b>. The window teeth <b>78</b> and the window tabs <b>80</b> engage with the main lock <b>38</b> and the cargo lock <b>40</b>, respectively, to lock the seat assembly <b>16</b> in the seated position or the cargo position.

As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the seat assembly <b>16</b> is locked in the seated position with the cargo lock <b>40</b> in the unlocked position. The cargo lock <b>40</b> has a hook <b>92</b> having a generally C cross-sectional shape with an extension <b>95</b> at one end and tabs <b>96</b> at an opposite end. The tabs <b>96</b> correspond to window tabs <b>80</b> formed in the flange <b>86</b> to lock the seat assembly <b>16</b> in the cargo position. The tabs <b>96</b> correspond in position and size to the window tabs <b>80</b> formed on the flange <b>86</b>. As the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the seated position, there are no window tabs <b>80</b> corresponding to the position of the cargo lock <b>40</b>.

As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the main lock <b>38</b> is identical to cargo lock <b>40</b> having a hook <b>92</b> with a generally C-shaped cross section and an extension <b>94</b> at one end. The main lock <b>38</b> differs from the cargo lock <b>40</b> as the main lock includes teeth <b>98</b> located at an opposite end to engage with window teeth <b>78</b> formed on the flange <b>86</b> of the pair of lower rails <b>24</b>. The teeth <b>98</b> correspond in position and size to the window teeth <b>78</b> formed on the flange <b>86</b>.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>, the main lock <b>38</b> and the cargo lock <b>40</b> include arms <b>100</b> extending from the hooks <b>92</b>. The arms <b>100</b> are pivotally coupled to brackets <b>102</b> formed on the pair of upper rails <b>26</b> for movement between a locked position, an engaged position, and an unlocked position. Hook biasing members <b>104</b> bias the hooks <b>92</b> towards the locked position such that the extensions <b>94</b>, <b>95</b> are in a raised or upwardly positions.

In the locked position the hook <b>92</b> is biased by the hook biasing member <b>104</b> such that, in the case of the main lock <b>38</b>, the teeth <b>98</b> extend through apertures <b>106</b> formed on the pair of upper rails <b>26</b> and engage with the window teeth <b>78</b> formed on the flange <b>86</b> of the pair of lower rails <b>24</b> when the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the seated position, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>, and in the case of the cargo lock <b>40</b>, the hook biasing member <b>104</b> biases the hook <b>92</b> such that the tabs <b>96</b> extend through apertures <b>106</b> formed on the pair of upper rails <b>26</b> and engage with the window tabs <b>80</b> formed in the flange <b>86</b> of the pair of lower rails <b>24</b> when the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the cargo position, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref>.

In order to move the main lock <b>38</b> and the cargo lock <b>40</b> between the locked/engaged position and the unlocked position, the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> is rotated such that the shoe <b>76</b> on one end of the paddle member <b>74</b> contacts one of the main lock <b>38</b> or the cargo lock <b>40</b> to depress the extensions <b>94</b>, <b>95</b> downwardly to an unlocked position, and raise the shoe <b>76</b> on the other end of the paddle member <b>74</b> off the extension <b>94</b>, <b>95</b> of the other of the main lock <b>38</b> or the cargo lock <b>40</b> to either the engaged position or the locked position.

The main lock <b>38</b> will be in the locked position when the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> is positioned such that the main lock <b>38</b> extension <b>94</b> is raised and the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the seated position allowing the teeth <b>98</b> to engage with the window teeth <b>78</b> as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>. The main lock <b>38</b> will be in the unlocked position when the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> is positioned such that the main lock <b>38</b> extension <b>94</b> is depressed downwardly, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9B and 10A</figref>. The main lock <b>38</b> will be in the engaged position when the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> is positioned such that the main lock <b>38</b> extension <b>94</b> is raised and the seat assembly <b>16</b> is not in the seated position, thereby, causing the teeth <b>98</b> to contact and slide along the flange <b>86</b> of the lower rails <b>24</b>, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref>. Once the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the seated position the teeth <b>98</b> will engage with the window teeth <b>78</b> due to the biasing force of the hook biasing members <b>104</b> and the main lock <b>38</b> will be in the locked position.

The cargo lock <b>40</b> will be in the locked position when the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> is positioned such that the cargo lock <b>40</b> extension <b>95</b> is raised and the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the cargo position allowing the tabs <b>96</b> to engage with the window tabs <b>80</b>, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref>. The cargo lock <b>40</b> will be in the unlocked position when the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> is positioned such that the cargo lock <b>40</b> extension <b>95</b> is depressed downwardly, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 10B</figref>. The cargo lock <b>40</b> will be in the engaged position when the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> is positioned such that the cargo lock <b>40</b> extension <b>95</b> is raised and the seat assembly <b>16</b> is not in the cargo position, thereby, causing the tabs <b>96</b> to contact and slide along the flange <b>86</b> of the lower rails <b>24</b>, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref>. Once the seat assembly <b>16</b> is in the cargo position the tabs <b>96</b> will engage with the window tabs <b>80</b> due to the biasing force of the hook biasing members <b>104</b>.

In order to facilitate a better understanding of the principles associated with the inventive seat assembly, the operation of releasing and locking the seat assembly from a seated position to a cargo position and back will now be described. As stated above, the lever mechanism <b>42</b> is capable of movement between a first position and a second position by either movement of the seat back <b>22</b> or operation of the slide handle <b>44</b>. As such, the operation by each method will be described separately.

The operation of releasing and locking the seat assembly <b>16</b> between the seated position and the cargo position through actuation of the slide handle <b>44</b> will now be described. As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the seat assembly <b>16</b> is locked in the seated position, with the seat back <b>22</b> in the seated position and the lever mechanism <b>42</b> in a first position. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> depicts the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> positioned with one shoe <b>76</b> lifted off main lock <b>38</b> extension <b>94</b> to lock the main lock <b>38</b>, and the other shoe <b>76</b> depressing the cargo lock <b>40</b> extension <b>95</b> to unlock the cargo lock <b>40</b>. The teeth <b>98</b> are engaging with window teeth <b>78</b> formed in the flange <b>86</b> of the lower rail <b>24</b>, thereby, locking the upper rail <b>26</b> to the lower rail <b>24</b> at the seated position.

Referring back to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, upon actuation of the slide handle <b>44</b> in the direction of A<b>1</b>, the slide handle <b>44</b> pivots about pivot axis P<b>2</b> in the direction of A<b>2</b>. The pivoting movement of the slide handle <b>44</b> pushes the link member <b>48</b> in the direction of A<b>3</b> which rotates bracket <b>46</b> in the direction of A<b>4</b>. As the bracket <b>46</b> is attached to the actuation mechanism <b>50</b>, the rotation of the pivoting bracket <b>46</b> rotates elongated rod <b>72</b> and the paddle member <b>74</b> in the direction of A<b>5</b>, thereby, moving the lever mechanism <b>42</b> from the first position to the second position.

The rotation of the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in the direction of A<b>5</b> moves the main lock <b>38</b> from the locked position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> to the unlocked position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref>. In addition, the rotation of the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in the direction of A<b>5</b> moves the cargo lock <b>40</b> from an unlocked position towards the locked position. As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref>, the seat assembly <b>16</b> is still in the seated position and there are no window tabs <b>80</b> for the tabs <b>96</b> to engage. The cargo lock <b>40</b> is in an engaged position with the tabs <b>96</b> abutting the flange <b>86</b>. The seat assembly <b>16</b> is now movable in the direction of arrow A<b>6</b> towards the cargo position where the tabs <b>96</b> will align with and engage the window tabs <b>80</b> to lock the upper rail <b>26</b> to the lower rail <b>24</b> in the cargo position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates the seat assembly <b>16</b> locked in the cargo position, with the seat back <b>22</b> in the seated position and the lever mechanism <b>42</b> in the second position. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref> depicts the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> positioned with one shoe <b>76</b> lifted off the cargo lock <b>40</b> extension <b>95</b> to lock the cargo lock <b>40</b>, and the other shoe <b>76</b> depressing the main lock <b>38</b> extension <b>94</b> to unlock the main lock <b>38</b>. The tabs <b>96</b> are engaging with the window tabs <b>80</b> formed in the flange <b>86</b> of the lower rail <b>24</b>, thereby locking the upper rail <b>26</b> to the lower rail <b>24</b> at the cargo position.

In order to unlock the seat assembly <b>16</b> from the cargo position, the slide handle <b>44</b> is actuated in the direction of arrow B<b>1</b>. The slide handle <b>44</b> pivots about axis P<b>2</b> in the direction of arrow B<b>2</b> which pulls link member <b>48</b> in the direction of arrow B<b>3</b>. The movement of link member <b>48</b> will rotate bracket <b>46</b> in the direction of arrow B<b>4</b>. As the bracket <b>46</b> is attached to the actuation mechanism <b>50</b>, the rotation of the bracket <b>46</b> rotates the elongated rod <b>72</b> and the paddle members <b>74</b> in the direction of B<b>5</b>, thereby, moving the lever mechanism <b>42</b> from the first position to the second position.

The rotation of the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in the direction of arrow B<b>5</b> moves the cargo lock <b>40</b> from the locked position, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref>, to the unlocked position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref>. In addition, the rotation of the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in the direction of B<b>5</b> moves the main lock <b>38</b> from the unlocked position towards the locked position. As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref>, the seat assembly is still in the cargo position and there are no window teeth <b>78</b> for the teeth <b>98</b> to engage. The main lock <b>38</b> is in the engaged position with the teeth <b>98</b> abutting the flange <b>86</b>. The seat assembly <b>16</b> is now movable in the direction of arrow B<b>6</b> towards the seated position where the teeth <b>98</b> will align with and engage the window teeth <b>78</b> to lock the upper rail <b>26</b> to the lower rail <b>24</b> in the seated position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>.

The operation of releasing and locking the seat assembly <b>16</b> between the seated position and the cargo position using movement of the seat back <b>22</b> will now be discussed. Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the seat assembly <b>16</b> is locked in the seated position, with the seat back <b>22</b> in the seated position and the lever mechanism <b>42</b> in the first position. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> depicts the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> positioned with one shoe <b>76</b> lifted off main lock <b>38</b> extension <b>94</b> to lock the main lock <b>38</b>, and the other shoe <b>76</b> depressing the cargo lock <b>40</b> extension <b>95</b> to unlock the cargo lock <b>40</b>. The teeth <b>98</b> are engaging with window teeth <b>78</b> formed in the flange <b>86</b> of the lower rail <b>24</b> thereby locking the upper rail <b>26</b> to the lower rail <b>24</b> at the seated position.

Upon actuation of the recliner handle <b>32</b>, or in the alternative the egress mechanism <b>34</b>, the recliner mechanism <b>30</b> will release the seat back <b>22</b> from the seated position and the seat back biasing member <b>28</b> will move the seat back <b>22</b> from the seated position to the stowed position. Movement of the seat back <b>22</b> in the direction of arrow C<b>2</b>, pulls the seat back end <b>64</b> of the cable <b>60</b> in the direction of arrow C<b>3</b>. The force exerted by the bracket end <b>62</b> on the second end <b>54</b> of the bracket <b>46</b> overcomes the biasing force of the bracket biasing member <b>68</b>, and the bracket <b>46</b> rotates in the direction of arrow C<b>4</b>. As the bracket <b>46</b> is connected to the actuation mechanism <b>50</b>, the elongated rod <b>72</b> and the paddle member <b>74</b> are rotated in the direction of arrow C<b>5</b>.

In addition, as the proximate end <b>58</b> of the link member <b>48</b> is pivotally attached to the first end <b>52</b> of the bracket <b>46</b>, the link member <b>48</b> is pulled in the direction of arrow C<b>6</b> overcoming the biasing force of the link biasing member <b>70</b>. Due to the connection between the link member <b>48</b> and the slide handle <b>44</b>, the slide handle <b>44</b> is rotated about pivot axis P<b>2</b> in the direction of arrow C<b>7</b> which will lift the slide handle <b>44</b> in the direction of arrow C<b>8</b>. Thereby, moving the lever mechanism <b>42</b> from the first position to the second position due to the movement of the seat back <b>22</b> from the seated position to the stowed position.

The rotation of the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in the direction of C<b>5</b> moves the main lock <b>38</b> from the locked position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> to the unlocked position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref>. In addition, the rotation of the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in the direction of C<b>5</b> moves the cargo lock <b>40</b> from an unlocked position towards the locked position. As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref>, the seat assembly <b>16</b> is still in the seated position and there are no window tabs <b>80</b> for the tabs <b>96</b> to engage. The cargo lock <b>40</b> is in an engaged position with the tabs <b>96</b> abutting the flange <b>86</b>. The seat assembly <b>16</b> is now movable in the direction of arrow C<b>9</b> towards the cargo position where the tabs <b>96</b> will align with and engage the window tabs <b>80</b> to lock the upper rail <b>26</b> to the lower rail <b>24</b> in the cargo position, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates the seat assembly <b>16</b> locked in the cargo position, with the seat back <b>22</b> in the stowed position and the lever mechanism <b>42</b> in the second position. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref> depicts the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> positioned with one shoe <b>76</b> lifted off the cargo lock <b>40</b> extension <b>95</b> to lock the cargo lock <b>40</b>, and the other shoe <b>76</b> depressing the main lock <b>38</b> extension <b>94</b> to unlock the main lock <b>38</b>. The tabs <b>96</b> are engaging with the window tabs <b>80</b> formed in the flange <b>86</b> of the lower rails <b>24</b>, thereby, locking the upper rails <b>26</b> to the lower rails <b>24</b> at the cargo position.

In order to unlock the seat assembly <b>16</b> from the cargo position, the seat back <b>22</b> is moved from the stowed position to the seated position in the direction of arrow D<b>1</b>. The recliner handle <b>32</b> rotates in the direction of arrow D<b>2</b>, and the seat back end <b>64</b> of the cable <b>60</b> moves in the direction of arrow D<b>3</b>. With the force of the bracket end <b>62</b> of the cable <b>60</b> no longer overcoming the biasing force of the bracket biasing member <b>68</b>, the bracket <b>46</b> rotates in the direction of arrow D<b>4</b>. As the bracket <b>46</b> is connected to the actuation mechanism <b>50</b>, the elongated rod <b>72</b> and the paddle members <b>74</b> are rotated in the direction of D<b>5</b>.

In addition, as the proximate end <b>58</b> of the link member <b>48</b> is pivotally attached to the first end <b>52</b> of the bracket <b>46</b>, the link member <b>48</b> is pushed in the direction of arrow D<b>6</b>. Due to the connection between the distal end <b>56</b> of the link member <b>48</b> and the slide handle <b>44</b>, the slide handle <b>44</b> is rotated about pivot axis P<b>2</b> in the direction of arrow D<b>7</b> which will move the slide handle <b>44</b> in the direction of arrow D<b>8</b>. Thereby, moving the lever mechanism <b>42</b> from the second position to the first position due to the movement of the seat back <b>22</b> from the stowed position towards the seated position. The bracket biasing member <b>68</b> and the link biasing member <b>70</b> facilitate the movement of the lever mechanism <b>42</b> from the second position to the first position.

The rotation of the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in the direction of arrow D<b>5</b> moves the cargo lock <b>40</b> from the locked position, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref>, to the unlocked position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref>. In addition, the rotation of the actuation mechanism <b>50</b> in the direction of D<b>5</b> moves the main lock <b>38</b> from the unlocked position towards the locked position. As seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref>, the seat assembly is still in the cargo position and there are no window teeth <b>78</b> for the teeth <b>98</b> to engage. The main lock <b>38</b> is in the engaged position with the teeth <b>98</b> abutting the flange <b>86</b>. The seat assembly <b>16</b> is now movable in the direction of arrow D<b>9</b> towards the seated position where the teeth <b>98</b> will align with and engage the window teeth <b>78</b> to lock the upper rail <b>26</b> to the lower rail <b>24</b> in the seated position as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>.

It is appreciated, of course, that movement of the seat back <b>22</b> from the seated position towards the stowed position may be due to the actuation of egress mechanism <b>34</b>, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. An occupant seated behind the seat assembly <b>16</b> pulls the strap S in the direction of arrow <b>1</b>, which actuates the recliner handle <b>32</b> in the direction of arrow <b>2</b>. The movement of the recliner handle <b>32</b> operates the recliner mechanism <b>30</b> to move the seat back <b>22</b> from the seated position to the stowed position in the direction of arrow <b>3</b>. The movement of the seat back <b>22</b> operates to move the lever mechanism <b>42</b> from the first position to the second position, as seen in the slide handle <b>44</b> moving in the direction of arrow <b>4</b>. Upon movement of the lever mechanism <b>42</b> from the first to the second position, the main lock <b>38</b> is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position and the cargo lock is moved from the unlocked position to the engaged position allowing the occupant seated behind the seat assembly <b>16</b> to the move and lock the seated assembly <b>16</b> from the seated position to the cargo position in the direction of arrow <b>5</b> through the actuation of only the egress mechanism <b>34</b> via the strap S.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is, therefore, to be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.